“We hated to do this, but there really isn’t any other way to maintain and improve our water system,” said Kahoka Alderman Jeff Wood.The Kahoka Board of Aldermen voted at their Monday June 13 meeting to raise its customers water rates, effective with next bill. Kahoka water customer will now pay a minimum rate of $12 per month for up to 2000 gallon inside city limits, and $18.00 per month outside city limits.“This council has worked very hard to control costs,” said Alderman Jerry Webber.The board also heard a report from John Hummel or MECO Engineering in Hannibal, concerning the downtown improvement grant. “The plan and specs have been approved by MoDOT,” Hummel told board members. “We’re waiting for MoDOT to allocate the funds.”Once funds are allocated, a bid notice for the project, which involves replacing downtown sidewalks, will need to appear in the newspaper. Twenty-one days after the notice runs, the city can open bids.The board also approved eight liquor license applications. The approved licenses were: Ayerco, C&R Market, Casey’s, Cruisers, Duer’s, Froggies, Mac’s Super Saver and the Moose Lodge. In other business, the board:-Accepted a grave stone restoration bid from Clark County Memorial Shop. They will repair 11 stones in the Kahoka Cemetery at a cost of $4000.-Approved the city’s property and liability insurance renewal at a cost of $55,454 per year.--Approved building permits for Andy LeVeck, Wayne Blum, David Gregory, Paula Smeltser and Jessica Feilen.-Discussed overnight parking on the square.“We have no problem with them parking on the square except during a snow emergency,” said Kahoka Police Chief Bill Conger.“I don’t think it’s an issue. We should leave it like it is,” offered Mayor Wayne Blum.The board took no action on the matter.--Discussed the possibility of allowing Clark County Domestic Violence Coordinator to use office space in the old City Hall building.City Attorney April Wilson reported that she had checked into the possibility of having the county collector collect real and person property taxes for the city.“Cities all over the state have the county collector do it,” Wilson said. State statute specifies that the county collector’s office would receive three percent of collections plus all penalties for providing the service.“This would put more teeth in our collections,” said Webber. “This way, people could not license their car without paying their city taxes.”--Police Chief Conger reported 67 calls for service in May. “We had fewer calls for service, but more serious crimes.”--Conger also asked City Attorney Wilson to draft an ordinance prohibiting synthetic narcotics, such as bath salts and K-3. State statutes have not kept up with the ever-evolving use of synthetic drugs.--Fire Chief Lary Fountain reported that the equipment truck needs fuel injector work, and was taken to a shop in Shelbina.--Alderman Wood requested that the cable department be allowed to spend $779.10 to upgrade internet test meters. The board approved. He also reported that they are looking for a good deal on some backup cable receivers.